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After reading The Progeny by Ashlynne Laynne I'm left with feelings reminiscent of when I read the Twilight books. There were some parts I enjoyed but I had problems with the main characters. Ascher is almost a carbon copy of Edward in his demeanor and his poetic love for the woman that will endanger his world, as well as his youthful appearance and desire to be around humans by going to school yet again. Shauna is reminiscent of Bella with her extreme naïveté, over the top emotions, and her part in a relationship that leads to an unexpected result with big ramifications.
Ascher is the only half-bloodling, created as an experiment whose special abilities are desired by others but make him feel like an abomination. Throughout almost the entire book he bemoans how awful and dangerous he is while still lusting and chasing after Shauna, who has otherworldly abilities of her own that don't become apparent until she comes into contact with Ascher's world. Ascher wants Shauna in his life no matter that setting aside the woman he's been arranged to marry means war to him, his family, and the woman whose blood calls to him. Shauna's life gets turned upside down too by meeting Ascher and she's willing to do anything to be with him, including trusting him with her very life since her blood is special and therefore very hard to resist. She easily jumps to conclusions though and runs headlong into danger without thinking. There were many times I just wanted to strangle her but kept reading as the secondary characters completely won me over and had me fully invested in their outcomes.
The relationship between Ascher and Shauna was annoyingly unrequited in the early parts of the story as Ascher didn't trust himself around her. It's in the latter half of the book where their relationship gets steamy and results in the unexpected, which again brought to mind Edward and Bella. Amongst their sexual interludes were some fast-paced action sequences as Ursula, the woman Ascher spurned, starts an all out war that leads to lots of bloodshed but not a clear cut conclusion.
Even though I had problems with the main characters I found myself drawn to the secondary characters, especially the romance between Gabe and a female close to Shauna. They're much more likable characters and stronger-willed and I wish we could've seen more of them together. Quinn also won me over with his charming pseudo-womanizing ways that hid a heart damaged by too many losses. He's extremely loyal and protective and deserves a HEA of his own. It's these characters that kept me reading as much of the rest of the book feels reminiscent of other stories.
With its frustrating main characters and over the top villainess there were times I wanted to scream but the immensely likable cast of secondary characters kept dragging me back. Although not everything in this story worked for me I still think paranormal fans will find it satisfying, as will Twilight fans, and I look forward to Ms. Laynne's future works to set herself apart from what's come before.
paranormaleroticalover
Posted May 6, 2012
Let me just start out by saying that I'm as big a paranormal fan as they come. This was the first book I've read by this author. This book was wonderful. I found some grammatical stuff wrong with it, but those were things I could overlook. If those things were fixed, I'd give it a five star for sure! The characters were interesting and engaging. The love scenes were hot and very tastefully done. I'm a huge Twilight fan and this book so reminded me of an adult version. The witch/vampire story was unique. I can't say I've ever seen a vampire in a love story with a witch. Shauna and Ascher's love is intense and I hear that this is going to be a series. I would definitely recommend this book for vampire, witch and paranormal romance lovers alike. If you like your romance hot and your love story intense,The Progeny is the one for you! I'm so looking forward to the next in this unique series!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A half-bloodling, Ascher Rousseau is a half human, half vampire hybrid that knows he shouldn't actually exist. He's gone through his entire life questioning his existence, wondering what his actual purpose is. Unable to truly understand as to why he was born in the first place, he knows he doesn't quite fit into either world. Because of the fact that he can walk in daylight, most of the vampiric world consider him to be an abomination. Humans, on the other hand, have no idea as to what he truly is.
Discontent with the way his life is going, he's drifted through life as if nothing has ever really mattered. His way of thinking changes when he meets Shauna, a woman working at his brother's bar who's beautiful as well as brawny. There's something about her he can't quite put his finger on that peaks his interest.
Knowing that he should leave well enough alone, he sets off to win her heart against his better judgment. Inadvertently drawing Gabriel's ire because of this, Ascher briefly wonders if he should back away. Shauna could do better, he surmises. Yet his need of her trumps all and he gives in to the longing he feels deep inside to truly call her his own.
When Ursula, the woman he's been arranged to marry, catches wind of what he's up to, she's determined to thwart Ascher's plans. She won't give him up without a fight. It doesn't matter that Ascher doesn't want her, she's intent on staking her claim upon the Rousseau's and the secrets they guard closely.
Thwarting her every move, Ascher does his best to protect Shauna at every given opportunity. He knows now that she's his true mate and will stop at nothing until his enemies are dead. When several family members are caught in the crossfire, hers included, he realizes there's more to the situation than meets the eye and it's up to him to set things straight, once and for all.
This was quite an intriguing story. There were quite a few grammatical errors and running sentences that needing fixing, though. Overall, the premise of the story is a unique one. The book was a good read.
Overview
Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows ...